August 13, 2013
The 1964 Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and Canada is being re-negotiated over the next two years. A modernized, 21st Century Treaty is essential to SOS' mission of restoring abundant salmon and steelhead throughout the Basin for use by people and ecosystems. It is also essential for our two nations and the great Northwest we share to navigate the unprecedented rapids of climate change over our next 50 years. The "Working Draft" of the U.S. negotiating position, released a month ago by Bonneville Power and the Army Corps, falls well short of the modern Treaty that Northwest people and salmon need. SOS is working with others to change that.
SOS and the NW Energy Coalition co-signed a letter this week highlighting our serious concerns re: the "June 27 Working Draft". This letter was submitted to the Bonneville Power and Army Corps as our official public comment. You can read our detailed comments (in pdf) on the "Working Draft" here.
See article #4 in our June 2013 Wild Salmon and Steelhead News for further information and links to the "Working Draft" released by Bonneville Power and Army Corps of Engineers on June 27.